The Land Trust is holding a series of events in September to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Emerald Necklace. The celebration includes an evening happy hour at Firelight Camps in Ithaca, a volunteer work day, and two guided hikes.
Ten years ago, the Land Trust launched the Emerald Necklace project – an ambitious conservation effort to link 50,000 acres of existing public land that extends in a broad arc around the south end of Cayuga Lake from the Finger Lakes National Forest in the west to Hammond Hill and Yellow Barn State Forests in the east.
Photo: Bill Hecht
Working with public and private partners, the Land Trust has already conserved more than 3,000 acres within the necklace through a careful mix of direct acquisitions, project assistance, and conservation easements on private lands. Recent highlights include protecting 128 acres with frontage on Six Mile and conserving lands that directly connect Hammond Hill State Forest to Yellow Barn State Forest.
The Emerald Necklace will be years in the making, requiring an unprecedented partnership between conservationists, land owners, government agencies and local communities. As each new connection is created, Finger Lakes residents will have new recreational opportunities, safeguarded drinking water and added habitat for fish and wildlife.
Celebrate conservation with the Land Trust at the following events:
Tuesday, September 13 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Happy Hour at Firelight Camps, 1150 Danby Road — Ithaca
Join Land Trust staff and volunteers for an anniversary celebration with live music and light refreshments. Land Trust staff will provide information and answer any questions you might have.
Friday, September 16 from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Volunteer Work Day at Sweedler Preserve at Lick Brook — Ithaca
Your help is needed to move logs and limbs to restore and reinforce the hiking trail at the Sweedler Preserve at Lick Brook, one of the Land Trust’s most popular preserves.
Saturday, September 17 from 8:00 – 10:00 am
Morning Bird Walk with Lynn Leopold at the Lindsay-Parsons Biodiversity Preserve — West Danby
Lynn Leopold will lead a morning bird walk in search of fall migrants at the 537-acre Lindsay-Parsons Preserve which is home to a diverse range of habitats.
Saturday, September 17 from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Tree Identification Walk for Kids at the Ellis Hollow Nature Preserve — Dryden
Naturalist and longtime volunteer Betsy Darlington will lead a tree identification walk designed especially for kids!
Many thanks to our generous sponsors!
